Patient empowerment outcomes in chronic disease care in Lebanon with validation of a measurement scale and associated determinants

Chronic diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Lebanon, straining the healthcare system. Patient empowerment is recognized as a strategy to enhance self-management and outcomes. This study aimed to develop and validate a Patient Empowerment Outcomes (PEO) scale adapted to Lebanon and to examine associated factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 640 adults with chronic conditions using structured face-to-face interviews. The questionnaire included sociodemographic and behavioral items, along with four validated tools: the focused Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (fPACIC), General Practice Interpersonal Care (GPIC), Health Empowerment and Self-Management (HESM), and the new PEO scale. Higher PEO scores were significantly associated with older age (B = 0.102, p = 0.002), proactive behaviors (B = 5.486, p = 0.001), and higher GPIC (B = 0.319, p < 0.0001), HESM (B = 0.681, p < 0.0001), and fPACIC (B = 0.104, p = 0.037) scores. Negative associations included greater medication burden (B = - 0.395, p = 0.029) and health fatalism (B = - 1.406, p = 0.008). The PEO scale is a valid, culturally adapted tool to assess empowerment in Lebanese patients with chronic diseases. Findings highlight the role of communication, self-management, and informed decision-making in guiding patient-centered interventions and policies.